Xavi has a selection dilemma in midfield ahead of Barcelona’s Super Cup clash vs Osasuna
In two days, FC Barcelona will be squaring off against CA Osasuna in the second semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Blaugrana are the reigning champions of the Super Cup, having won the trophy last season by ousting Real Madrid and will be eager to retain the trophy.
However, they go into the short tournament without some of their most important players like Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen while the involvement of Pedri and Joao Cancelo remains uncertain.
While there is some hope that Pedri might be fit in time for the final, if Barcelona qualify, his availability for Thursday’s semi-final against Osasuna is unlikely.
As such, Xavi is facing a major selection dilemma when it comes to his midfield personnel for the game, reports SPORT.
Fermin Lopez knocking on the doors
Fermin Lopez has been one of the breakthrough stars for Barcelona this season, making the most of his chances in an injury-hit midfield department.
The La Masia graduate even started the first El Clasico of the season back in October last year, indicating the faith that Xavi places in him. However, recent weeks had seen the youngster’s minutes take a hit as the likes of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong returned from injuries.
But, during the game against Las Palmas and more recently vs Barbastro, Fermin showed he is ready to step up whenever needed, even scoring in the cup tie. As such, he is making a strong case to start alongside Frenkie and Ilkay Gundogan come Thursday.
Sergi Roberto has still got it
Meanwhile, Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto continues to prove that he can still contribute to the team. The 31-year-old has hardly been a regular, especially in midfield, but when given a chance, he has taken it with both hands.
Roberto was Barça’s hero with a brace against Almeria and then set up Ferran Torres’ equaliser against Las Palmas earlier this month. The fact that he played only a handful of minutes against Barbastro could be a further indicator that he might start.
Either way, Xavi has a big decision to make on who he chooses to line up in midfield alongside Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong. Oriol Romeu is also an outside bet while there would also be the slim possibility of the Barcelona manager opting for four midfielders.
